Ashley Griffin BIO 101 7/3/2015 The Human Genome Project The Human Genome Project’s mission to research a human’s entire genetic make-up began when Gregor Mendel set out to apply his genetic principles to plants in 1865. Although Gregor Mendel did not come up with the idea to map the human genome, he did set groundwork for what the future of genetics could encompass. The idea to map each gene that makes up the human genome originated in 1900 and was completed in 2003 (“Timeline of the Human Genome”). The worldwide attempt in examining every aspect of the human genome was set to be completed within fifteen years, however, it only took thirteen years to locate approximately 100,000 genes situated within 23 pairs of chromosomes. DNA is what makes each person …show more content…
The information gathered throughout the thirteen years of research allows scientists and doctors to drastically improve the quality of care for patients. Treatments for diseases can now begin before diseases occur or symptoms appear. Also, anyone genetically inclined to certain diseases can eliminate of the genetic influence of developing a certain disease, or at least allow someone to be aware and prepared for what the future withholds. To some this is not a significant discovery, but to others it is a discovery that will change more lives than ever before (“2003 Francis Collins Testimony: The Future of Genomics”). Some common diseases and illnesses linked to genes are “Alzheimer's disease, Lou Gehrig's disease, Arthritis, Asthma, Cancers, Cystic fibrosis, Diabetes, Down syndrome, Hemophilia, High blood pressure, Hypercholesterolemia, Multiple sclerosis, Muscular dystrophy, Neurofibromatosis, Schizophrenia, Sickle-cell anemia, Spina bifida, and Tay-Sachs disease” (Chial). The impact that the human genome map can have on the world is outstanding, and it gives humans confidence in having a healthier, happier